Aguaponics

Aguaponics is the fusion of aquaculture, the raising of fish, and hydroponics, the science of growing plants in water.  System sizes can vary from desktop to commercial systems that can span acres.

Today I picked up two IBC totes.  These food grade containers will be perfect for housing the fish in my system, and one alone should provide enough nutrients to a 4x12 section of plants.

These IBC totes can cost as much as $250 dollars new, however craigslist seems to have them pop up frequently from $50-$100.  It is important to know what was in the tote before you got it.  The two I purchased today contained canola oil.  The man says they clean them throughly, but one more wash isn't going to hurt.  Some IBC totes contained wood glue or other hazardous materials.  Fish are extremely sensitive to chemicals and surfactants.  I have credibly herd several times that fish antibiotics are more refined than antibiotics prescribed to humans and are safe for human consumption.  Do your own research.  When people see biodegradable soap, they think, "great, I am going to take a bath in this stream."  In actuality the surfactants from the soap will gather on the fish doing the opposite of what the soap was intended to.  When taking a bath in the back country it is important to take your water 150ft from the water source.  The contact with the ground allows for the degradation.  So it is important the tank is clean.

The next step will be creating the space for the plants to grow.  More on that to come.

This afternoon after brainstorming pond plumbing options I called Lowes to see about some stackable water meter boxes.  The lady on the phone said she had them.  All the people at the store said they did not.